At the core of Helen Taylor Bush’s founding philosophy was her belief in experiential learning. From the start, Bush classrooms promoted creativity in all subjects to bring joy to both the student and the teacher. The earliest Bush teachers encouraged students to move about freely allowing for active learning and self-expression in a time when most students were required to sit at their desks for the majority of the day. Most importantly, Mrs. Bush asked each student and teacher to invite the outside world into the classroom.

And more than ever, Bush students benefit from a progressive education, one defined today by its leadership and faculty much as it was by Helen Bush. Bush students learn how to navigate and contribute to a now-global and complex society. They are equipped with an education that enables one to discern meaning and import from a steady flow of information and make ethical judgements and actions. Bush students gain the confidence to imagine creative solutions to complex problems and engage in discourse.

Using the concept of ‘Building as Teacher’, the New Upper School Building will reflect Bush’s values, enhance the student life experience and inspire curiosity.